Each writer is influenced differently. We read books or attend classes, join critique groups or go to conferences. Some of us need time alone while others of us need lots of interaction with other writers to maintain our motivation and inspiration. Over the next month, you’ll get a glimpse into some of the things that motivate me and Kitty and Shonna. As you read what we have to say, I hope you get inspired and encouraged in your own writing life.
Books have always been a major part of my life. I discovered the library very early and it is still one of my favorite places to hang. I have my own library of books I just can’t part with. While it would be impossible to list all the books that have influenced me as a writer, here are a few.
“Discovering the Writer Within,” by Bruce Ballenger and Barry Lane and “The Creative Call,” by Janice Elsheimer are books I regularly return to for exercises and insights that focus and ignite my creativity. I especially like “The Creative Call.” This book is similar to the more well-known “The Artist’s Way,” by Julia Cameron, but with what I see as a significant difference. In my opinion, “The Artist’s Way” spent an inordinate amount of time delving into what hinders or has hindered creativity in an artist’s past. In contrast, “The Creative Call” focuses more on how an artist’s creativity is an expression of worship that grows out of a relationship with a Creator and the exercises are designed to foster that creative relationship.
Other books in my library help me develop and hone the skills I need to craft interesting stories. “Techniques of a Selling Writer,” by Dwight Swain, Writing the Breakout Novel,” by Donald Maass (both book and workbook) and “Plot and Structure,” by James Scott Bell are my most used. These books help me focus on the intricate details of conflict and dialogue and action and all the little nuts and bolts and screws that make up a story. For the high-level structure of the story, I often refer to “The Writer’s Journey,” by Chris Vogler and, more recently, “Save the Cat,” by Blake Snyder. Both of these systems help me analyze and evaluate my stories for plot holes and weak motivation.
Since I write a lot of fantasy, I often have a hard time coming up with names. “Character-Naming sourcebook,” produced by Writer’s Digest Books is a wonderful resource. I refer to it often.
Another book I have read multiple times is “Time Management for the Creative Person,” by Lee Silber. While not necessarily a writing book, it has helped me discover creative ways to motivate myself and increase my productivity.
Most people who know me know that I call myself a Christian. My definition of a Christian is one who lives by what is taught in the Bible. This is the one book that has influenced me more than any other. I find insights and guidance here for living my life. I find compelling stories of good and bad and the battle for both. I find inspiration and examples and all manner of fodder for my imagination.
I know I’ve only scratched the surface of all the books that are and will be influential in my journey as a writer. I’m off to find more! Oh, before I go . . . what books do you recommend?
Related Articles
5 users responded in this post
Plot and Structure by JSB for sure. Also Goal, Motivation & Conflict by Debra Dixon. Those two books have done more for me than any other writing books.
But reading great fiction also helps. Finding out what the best in the business do, then applying that to my writing has allowed me to make great strides.
You are sooooo right. If I go for too long without reading fiction, i just dry up. The writing gets stale, I lose all desire to write and it all becomes a chore. I recently relearned this and am now devouring lots of fun reading and rediscovering my “want-to” for creating fiction.
I haven’t read GMC, although I have glanced through a friend’s copy (Kitty’s I think) and took a class that was built on it.
Another book (sort of) is the Writer’s Brainstorming Kit (I think that is the name). Maybe Kitty will mention it. I don’t have a copy, but it is on my wish list and will probably be my next writing-related purchase. I’ve looked at hers and even used it to generate some ideas for stories. Once I’ve gotten it and used in a few more times, I’ll write more about it.
One book that I can’t put down right now is 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt. I’ve been working on the second draft of my NaNo novel and it has been unbelievably helpful in finding a way to understand my characters.
I’ve seen that book. It had lots of good info in it. It is good. I also find that personality-type books are helpful in developing/understanding my characters. I especially find anything that expounds on the Myer-Briggs tests helpful. I’ve internalized a lot of that information and don’t remember offhand specific titles. I’ll have to go check my shelves.
Leave A Reply